Support freight cost planning, variance analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and inventory valuation activities by providing accurate data analysis and reporting while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Transportation Finance

• Prepare and maintain inventory, freight, and duty cost data for inbound and outbound logistics.
• Coordinate with Logistics and SCM teams to collect and validate freight-related cost information.
• Monitor freight costs trends and highlight significant variances.
• Support cost analysis activities and provide data for decision-making.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Support the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts, and long-term planning activities.
• Gather and analyze inputs from Logistics and SCM teams for cost projections.
• Track actual costs against budgets and report variances.
• Assist in maintaining cost-related KPIs and reporting dashboards.

Cost Variance Analysis

• Analyze inventory, inbound freight, outbound freight cost variances.
• Support root-cause analysis for significant cost deviations.
• Prepare monthly reports on logistics and transportation cost performance.
• Assist in identifying cost-saving opportunities through data analysis.

New Product Costing Support

• Support landed cost estimations for new products in collaboration with PD and Logistics teams.
• Assist in preparing costing analyses and business case evaluations.
• Monitor cost changes throughout product development phases.
• Support benchmarking activities and market cost comparisons.

Cost Reporting & Management Information

• Prepare periodic freight and logistics cost reports.
• Develop and maintain cost tracking dashboards and performance reports.
• Analyze cost trends, savings initiatives, and localization benefits.
• Provide support for budgeting and forecasting activities related to logistics costs.

Inventory Management

• Assist in monthly inventory valuation and reconciliation processes.
• Analyze inventory movements, aging, slow-moving, and obsolete inventory and highlight risks.
• Support physical inventory counts and cycle count activities by validating inventory records and investigating discrepancies.
• Prepare inventory-related reports and KPIs to support management decision-making.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Warehouse, and Operations teams to improve inventory accuracy and turnover.
• Assist in identifying inventory cost reduction opportunities and working capital improvement initiatives.
• Support system master data maintenance related to inventory valuation and material costing.

Data Integrity & ERP Costing Support

• Maintain the accuracy of costing data within SAP and related systems.
• Support master data maintenance for costing structures, routings, and logistics-related parameters.
• Perform periodic data validation and reconciliation activities.
• Assist in identifying and resolving data quality issues impacting cost reporting.

Desired Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting or related field
• Master's degree in business administration (MBA) preferred
• At least 10 years relevant experience
• Proven technical, quantitative and critical-thinking skills, high level of independent judgment, initiative and creativity to identify and clearly communicate key performance drivers to senior management
• Ability to manage multiple projects and assignments with a high degree of autonomy and accountability for results
• Demonstrated effective written, interpersonal and oral communication skills
• Established ability using Microsoft Office software with a high proficiency with Excel
• Finance analyst experience at an Automotive OEM or Tier 1 Supplier a huge plus!
• Strong understanding of inventory, Inbound and Outbound principles and cost drivers.
• Analytical mindset with ability to translate complex data into actionable insights
• Proven business partnering and stakeholder management skills across cross-functional teams
• High attention to detail with focus on data accuracy, integrity and internal controls
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong communication and presentation skills